Hatcher School Street Vineyards
Step back in time and savor the flavors of Calaveras Wine Country, where the California Gold Rush sparked one of the state’s most distinctive wine regions. Nestled in the rolling Sierra Foothills, Calaveras County blends historic charm, pioneering spirit, and exceptional craftsmanship to create a truly unforgettable experience for wine lovers.
For more than 170 years, local winemakers have transformed the region’s mineral-rich soils and sun-drenched hillsides into beautifully expressive wines, each bottle a tribute to the land, its history, and the people who call it home.
The Gold Rush Boom (Mid-1800s)
When gold was discovered in 1848, hopeful prospectors poured into the Sierra Nevada foothills and with them came a growing thirst for wine. Immigrants, particularly from Italy and France, brought their winemaking expertise and quickly recognized the area’s rich soils and favorable climate. By 1851, the first 1,000 grapevines were planted along the Calaveras River, laying the foundation for California’s foothill viticulture.
By 1870, Calaveras had become the fourth-largest wine-producing county in California, with 116 winemakers and over 300 acres of vineyards. Early pioneers like Angelo Sciaccaluga of Vallecito (Tanner Vineyards), the county’s first licensed winemaker, and local farmers David Fausett and James Inks helped establish the region’s agricultural roots. Towns like Murphys and Mokelumne Hill flourished as regional wine hubs, producing barrels that supplied mining camps and nearby settlements.
The Modern Revival (Late 1970s–Present)
After nearly a century of dormancy, Calaveras County experienced a modern winemaking renaissance in the late 1970s, led by fifth-generation local Barden Stevenot. His Stevenot Winery, founded in 1978, re-energized the region’s reputation for high-quality wines and inspired a new generation of vintners. The Oliveto family acquired Stevenot Wines in 2010 and today continues to honor Barden’s legacy by producing Stevenot Reserva using grapes grown from heritage vines on those historic vineyards.
This revival coincided with the growth of the Sierra Foothills AVA (American Viticultural Area), encompassing Amador, El Dorado, and Calaveras counties. The picturesque Gold Rush town of Murphys, California, soon became the vibrant heart of Calaveras wine tourism, home to more than 30 tasting rooms and boutique wineries.
Local families continued the legacy – Milliaire Winery, launched in 1983; Tanner Vineyards, whose roots in Calaveras trace back to the mid-1800s; and Ironstone Vineyards, founded by the Kautz family in the 1980s, which remains one of the largest and most recognized wineries in the Sierra Foothills.
Today, visitors can explore charming downtown tasting rooms, stroll through rolling vineyards, and enjoy award-winning wines made from Mediterranean varietals such as Zinfandel, Barbera, and Tempranillo. Each glass tells the story of Calaveras County’s deep connection to the land and its people, from the Gold Rush pioneers to today’s passionate winemakers.
Plan Your Visit to Calaveras Wine Country
Whether you’re strolling the historic streets of Murphys, enjoying the vibrant fall colors over rolling vineyards, or uncovering the history of Calaveras Wine Country, autumn is the perfect time to experience this Sierra Foothills treasure. With cozy tasting rooms, harvest-season events, and a wide selection of wines perfect for gifting, Calaveras County invites visitors to sip, savor, and stock up for the holidays.
Come taste award-winning wines, explore scenic vineyards, and celebrate the warmth, history, and pioneering spirit that make this region one of California’s most charming wine destinations.
Information sources: Calaveras Historical Society, Tanner Vineyards, Stevenot Winery, Ironstone Vineyards